Can small businesses and startups implement LLMO?

Why do small businesses have the potential to be featured in AI searches?

AI breaks down a single question into multiple searches to gather information, so if there are pages that accurately answer each of the broken-down questions, there is a possibility of being referenced regardless of the company's size.

According to a study by Queue Inc. (based on 35,482 questions input into the free QFO analysis tool from umoren.ai, from February 5 to May 27, 2026, using ChatGPT and Gemini), there were up to 33 searches conducted for a single question. The more detailed the question, the more searches were made; for instance, questions over 80 characters resulted in about twice as many searches compared to those under 30 characters in ChatGPT. More detailed questions tend to require finer information regarding subjects, conditions, and uses.

Google also explains that there are no additional requirements to be displayed in AI summaries or AI modes, and no special optimization is necessary (Google Search Central "AI Features and Websites"). It is believed that only companies that can provide special mechanisms will not have an advantage; rather, correctly organizing their information is the starting point.

Which types of small businesses are particularly suited for LLMO?

LLMO is considered particularly suitable for businesses where customers are likely to ask AI questions during the comparison and consideration stages, or for those wanting to increase awareness and inquiries through AI.

• BtoB companies and SaaS businesses: These types have longer consideration periods and are more likely to use AI during the information gathering and comparison stages.
• Companies in fields requiring expertise and accuracy: Industries such as IT, finance, healthcare, and consulting, where incorrect explanations can be problematic and credible information is sought.
• Companies whose names are not yet well-known: Even at a stage where searches by company name are few, they can aim to be introduced as comparison candidates within AI responses.
• Companies wanting to increase inquiries through AI: Businesses that want to convert traffic from ChatGPT or Google AI Overviews into inquiries or business discussions.

The suitability of various industries is explained in the industries where LLMO strategies are effective.

What should you start with if you have a limited budget or personnel?

The first step is to check how your company is being introduced by AI and to clarify the basic information about your company and services on your official website.

• Check the current status: Ask ChatGPT or Gemini about your industry, such as "What are recommended companies?" to see if your company appears and how it is introduced.
• Confirm if it is readable by search engines: Check if major pages are indexed and ensure that nothing is blocking reading, such as robots.txt.
• Consolidate basic information in one place: Clearly write about business content, target customers, strengths, and achievements on your official website, and standardize the representation of your company and service names.
• Answer frequently asked questions: Publish answers to questions that customers actually ask, one question per page, starting with the conclusion.
• Ensure correct introduction outside your site: Increase the instances where your company is accurately described on third-party sites through joint releases of case studies, publications in industry media, press releases, etc.
• Regularly check: After publication, continue to check AI responses and update the content.

You can check whether your website is in a state that is easy for AI to read using the free AI SEO diagnosis and LLMO diagnosis tool as a score. The estimated time frame for effectiveness is explained in the time frame for the effectiveness of LLMO measures.

How much does it cost to work on LLMO?

The scope of work that can be undertaken internally is mainly progressed through internal labor, while costs for external assistance can vary significantly depending on the range of support requested.

Organizing information, creating FAQs, and standardizing representations are more about the time of the responsible person than costs. If analysis and effectiveness checks are done using tools, you can use umoren.ai's free tools for AI search measures without registration (there is a limit on the number of free uses). The pricing structure for paid plans of free tools and platforms or consulting for AI search measures differs, and the respective costs can be confirmed in service materials.

If you outsource content creation or improvements, costs will vary depending on the number of pages targeted and the duration of support. It is easier to make a decision after determining the scope you want to request and comparing multiple estimates.